Joey Marsden, Coffee Table: 'Searchlight'. (STUDENT 2025)

Student:

Tertiary.

Name of school or tertiary institution, name of woodworking teacher (if you have one), and name of photographer:

Sturt School For Wood. Tutor: Peter Young, Photographer: Joey Marsden.

Video tour:

https://youtube.com/shorts/X9LO3D76uKY

Country

Australia

Searchlight is my first designer-maker piece. An exploration of finding my footing in the design process and bringing an original concept to life. The name reflects a journey of discovery, both in making and in myself as a developing craftsperson. This piece is a harmony of rectilinear lines, thoughtful depth, colour, repetition, and above all, a celebration of spectacular timbers. The tabletop is crafted from solid Walnut and Rock Maple, fixed to the aprons using traditional buttons to allow for seasonal wood movement. The chamfer edge detail nods to the iconic Sturt Breadboard, paying homage to the traditions that inform my contemporary design. The aprons are a composition of shop-sawn veneers: Ambrosia Beetle-Spalted Tiger Maple, finely grained Tasmanian Blackwood (the most remarkable I've encountered), and Macassar Ebony edge banding. Each face veneer was meticulously hand-fitted, showcasing a commitment to precision and material integrity. The legs, veneered in Tasmanian Blackwood over solid Blackbutt, provide structural integrity to the otherwise delicate intersections. Their gentle taper was shaped by hand, with shoulders scribed to fit seamlessly into the apron, a detail that introduces both refinement and additional visual depth. At each end, cubbies in solid Walnut offer functional space for books or magazines, grounding the piece in both utility and warmth.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.